Solo Travel Destination: Cartagena, Colombia
We are pleased to present a new Solo Travel Destination Post from Jennifer, a member of the Solo Travel Society on Facebook. Jennifer is from the United States and submitted the following report about Cartagena. Do you have a solo travel destination that you would like to recommend? Submit your description here, along with a few photos, and share it with fellow travelers!
Solo travel rating: 2 (1 is easiest, 4 is most difficult. Please see chart below)
Languages spoken: Spanish
Playing chess in Getsemani.
Reasons to go: Cartagena is beautiful, an easily, enjoyably walkable destination. The people are very friendly and eager to help. The vibrant colors, the Old World architecture visible throughout the city, the fortress, the food, the music – not to mention the setting, nestled at the northern tip of Colombia on the Caribbean Sea – are all stunning. A trip to the Unesco World Heritage Site Isla Rosario offers beautiful snorkeling as well.
I found a wonderful restaurant in Getsemani called Parche del Leon which served as my respite after days of sightseeing, with wonderful food, great people, and live entertainment. I also enjoyed the coffee shop Gato Negro around the corner for breakfast and coffee. The hostel I stayed in was friendly, the staff were helpful, and it was located in a great part of the city – Casa Sweety. I recommend Cartagena for all these reasons!
Street scene and cathedral in the Old Town.
The colorful buildings of Cartagena.
Solo Travel Destination Rating System
Safety - 2 (1 very safe, 2 safe in most areas, 3 be cautious at all times.)
Language - 3 (1 English is first language, 2 English speakers easy to find, 3 English speakers rare)
Navigation – 1 (1 easy to navigate by transit or car, 2 poor transit, car necessary, 3 not easy to get around)
Culture – 2 (1 Similar to North America or Western Europe, 2 Different from above but relaxed and easy, 3 Challenging)
Average Rating – 2 (1 is easiest, 4 is most difficult)
